Rishabh Pant’s odyssey from intense public criticism to record-breaking performances has become one of cricket’s defining comeback stories. After Sunil Gavaskar’s infamous on-air outburst—“stupid, stupid, stupid”—following Pant’s daring ramp shot dismissal in the Melbourne Test, the India vice-captain took radical steps to reset his mindset. He uninstalled WhatsApp, switched off his phone, and went into self-imposed isolation before returning to smash twin centuries at Headingley, turning critics into admirers and showcasing a brand-new, mature approach to his game.
The Melbourne Meltdown: When ‘Stupid’ Went Viral
During the second Test of the Border-Gavaskar Trophy at the MCG in December 2024, Pant attempted a risky ramp against Australia’s pace attack, only to be caught at fine leg. Viewing live commentary, Sunil Gavaskar exploded: “Stupid, stupid, stupid,” criticizing the shot’s recklessness when India were fighting for a draw. The clip quickly went viral, sparking heated debates on social media about Pant’s shot selection and temperament under pressure.
From Criticism to Self-Reflection: Digital Detox Begins
Deeply affected by the uproar, Pant realized he needed a drastic reset. In March 2025, he uninstalled WhatsApp and kept his phone switched off, using it only for essential communications. Sources reveal this digital detox was not punitive but a conscious choice to eliminate distractions and negative noise, allowing him to focus entirely on self-improvement and reflection.
Benched in Champions Trophy: Watching India Win from the Sidelines
Pant’s absence extended to India’s ICC Men’s Champions Trophy campaign in Dubai, where he did not feature in a single match despite India lifting the title. Opting for consistency, team management stuck with established combinations, while Pant observed from the stands. The benching underscored the need for him to earn his place back through performance and discipline.
IPL Struggles: Learning Between Seasons
In IPL 2025, Pant led the Lucknow Super Giants but failed to cross 300 runs, managing just one late-century knock against Royal Challengers Bangalore. His underwhelming haul underscored the disconnect between his natural flair and the temperament required for longer formats, fueling his resolve to transform both mentally and technically.
A Rigorous Overhaul: Fitness, Technique & Mindset
Former India strength coach Sohum Desai revealed Pant embarked on the most intense training regime of his career, often pushing beyond scheduled sessions. The focus was on enhancing stamina, agility, and core strength to sharpen wicketkeeping standards and batting resilience. Concurrently, Pant worked with sports psychologists to fortify his mental game—learning to channel aggression into calculated risk-taking and developing coping strategies for performance pressure.
Technical Tweaks: Shot Selection and Glovework
Analysts noticed subtle but significant refinements in Pant’s technique. He began exhibiting greater selectivity outside off stump, leaving deliveries he once would have forcibly attacked. His improvements in footwork behind the stumps translated into crisper glove-work, bolstering on-field leadership and instilling confidence in bowlers and fielders.
Headingley Masterclass: Twin Centuries Rewrite the Narrative
All of Pant’s hard work culminated in the first Test against England at Headingley, Leeds, in June 2025. In torrid English conditions, he scored 134 in the first innings and 118 in the second, becoming only the second wicketkeeper in Test history to score centuries in both innings. His first hundred was announced with a trademark six over long-on—an homage to his natural flair—followed by disciplined stroke-play, reflecting a balanced game plan.
From ‘Stupid’ to ‘Superb’: Gavaskar’s Dramatic U-Turn
In a fitting twist of fate, Gavaskar was on commentary during Pant’s Headingley century. This time, his refrain was jubilant: “Superb, superb, superb!” The contrast underscored Pant’s transformation from reckless youth to mature match-winner and provided a poignant bookend to his personal journey.
Behind the Scenes: Support Systems and Leadership
Pant’s resurgence was not a solo effort. Captain Rohit Sharma, coach Rahul Dravid, and senior players offered mentorship while allowing him the space to rebuild. Family support and camaraderie within the squad were crucial during his period of isolation. Desai emphasized that such a supportive network is vital for players under intense scrutiny, ensuring they have outlets for both professional guidance and emotional reassurance.
Locker-Room Dynamics: Earning Trust Anew
Upon returning to the Test XI, Pant had to re-earn the trust of teammates and management. His twin centuries did more than pad statistics—they signaled reliability in high-stakes scenarios. Bowlers praised his improved glovework and game awareness, while senior batsmen noted his tempered aggression and willingness to rotate strike, showing that he internalized lessons from past mistakes.
Mental Health in Elite Sport: Broader Conversations
Pant’s saga reignited conversations around athlete mental health and the toll of constant public scrutiny. His digital detox provided a blueprint for managing social media pressures, prompting calls for formalized wellness protocols across cricket boards. Experts now recommend compulsory psychological assessments, workshops on digital well-being, and sabbatical options for players showing signs of burnout.
Fan and Media Reaction: From Trolling to Tributes
Initially flooded with memes and criticism, social media sentiment pivoted rapidly after Headingley. Hashtags like #PantComeback trended globally, and fans lauded his courage to confront personal lows. Even critics conceded that Pant’s journey embodied the spirit of resilience, turning a moment of embarrassment into a career-defining renaissance.
Statistical Milestone: Surpassing Legends
With his twin centuries, Pant surpassed MS Dhoni’s record for the most Test hundreds by an Indian wicketkeeper, moving to seven centuries in the format. His average in the England series soared past 50, and his strike rate remained healthy, illustrating that form and consistency can coexist with his trademark flamboyance.
Strategic Impact: India’s World Test Championship Aspirations
Pant’s resurgence bolstered India’s middle order just as they vie for a spot in the World Test Championship final. His ability to accelerate scoring while providing stability adds a strategic dimension, allowing captains to declare aggressively or bat time when needed. His presence also strengthens India’s glovework, reducing the burden on frontline spinners and fast bowlers.
What Lies Ahead for Pant and Indian Cricket?
Maintaining this elevated level will be Pant’s next challenge. As he retains his vice-captaincy and primary wicketkeeping duties, the focus shifts to sustaining mental resilience, avoiding complacency, and mentoring younger players. Discussions have also begun about whether Pant’s leadership trajectory could eventually lead to full-time captaincy, given his blend of performance and personality that resonates with fans.
Conclusion: A Blueprint for Comebacks
Rishabh Pant’s calculated retreat—deleting WhatsApp, silencing outside noise, and doubling down on fitness and technique—demonstrates a modern athlete’s roadmap for turning adversity into advantage. By confronting his lowest point head-on, he redefined public perception and delivered one of the sport’s great comebacks. His narrative offers a lesson not just to cricketers but to anyone facing professional setbacks: sometimes the most powerful step forward is a deliberate pause.
